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UEFA Nations League

Czech Republic vs Croatia: Captain Fantastic Luka Modric Continues To Age Like A Fine Wine With Another Record

Adrian Kita, Editor · · 4 min read

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Czech Republic vs Croatia: Captain Fantastic Luka Modric Continues To Age Like A Fine Wine With Another Record
September 26, 2026, Prague, Czech Republic: Captain of Croatia Luka Modric (10) celebrates after scoring a goal during UEFA Nations League A group 3 soccer match in Prague on September 26, 2026. Prague Czech Republic – ZUMAr156 20260926_aap_r156_053 Copyright: xSlavekxRutax

In the Czech Republic vs Croatia clash, Uatreni’s captain Luka Modric continues to prove doubters wrong at the age of 41. The AC Milan midfielder became the oldest-ever goalscorer for Croatia, as his goal and overall influence paid dividends for Uatreni in their recent victory over the Czech Republic.

With over 200 appearances for the Croatian national team, the Luka Modric vs Czech Republic performance proved that the midfielder is certainly not done at the highest level. Having left Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, the Croatian midfielder still performs at the top level with AC Milan, and had his contract extended this summer by the Rossoneri.

Even though his legs do not enable him to complete a full 90 minutes anymore, 76 minutes were enough for the Luka Modric vs Czech Republic performance to outshine everyone else on the pitch. The game’s opening goal, the third most accurate passes, a 100% accurate long-ball success rate, and winning all of his ground duels – the Czech Republic vs Croatia game was all about one man: Luka Modric.

Czech Republic vs Croatia: The Croatia Captain Still Has Plenty More To Give For The National Team.

With over 20 years experience in the Croatian national team, Luka Modric has been the cornerstone to Uatreni’s modern history and their recent success. 2018 World Cup runners-up, third place at the 2022 World Cup and runners-up for the 2023 edition of the UEFA Nations League, Luka Modric has been ever-present in all of these squads.

Ahead of the start to the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign, there were no guarantees that the 41-year-old would be ready to face the Czech Republic, as he was battling with a fever in the days leading up to the game in Prague. However, the experienced midfielder was ready in time for the match and started in his usual central midfield role alongside Mateo Kovacic.

From the off, the Luka Modric vs Czech Republic performance showed calmness, precision and experience, as the AC Milan midfielder dictated the tempo with his passing and progressive play. Croatia dominated the play in the first half, however, would only fire one effort on target, which came in the final minutes of the first 45 minutes.

The second half brought more of an attacking display for the two sides. The Czech Republic vs Croatia game saw the first goal fly in just two minutes into the second period. Luka Modric fired an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box to give Uatreni the lead. With that effort, he back the oldest-ever goalscorer for the Croatian national team and scored his 30th goal for his country.

The Czech Republic were able to equalise seven minutes later through Adam Karabec, but Marco Pasalic’s goal with 13 minutes to go secured a vital away win for Croatia. The Luka Modric vs Czech Republic performance saw him come off in the 76th minute; however, the 41-year-old midfielder showcased that he is not done yet and proved it with another record.

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SL Benfica v Real Madrid C.F. – UEFA Champions League 2025 26 League Phase MD8 Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF looks frustrated after missing an opportunity during the UEFA Champions League 2025 26 MD8 match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estadio do Lisboa e Benfica in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 28, 2026. Lisbon Lisbon Portugal Copyright: xMiguelxLemosx originalFilename:lemos-slbenfic260128_npXWn.jpg

Extra Time Notes

In a group with Spain and England, the Luka Modric vs Czech Republic performance helped Croatia get a vital win to get a good start in the UEFA Nations League for Uatreni. Games against La Roja and the Three Lions will be challenging for Croatia, but with Luka Modric still showcasing his talent and skill at the age of 41, Uatreni will know that their experienced captain will look to guide the team to glory.

However, facing the reigning European and World Champions in their next fixture in the UEFA Nations League, Luka Modric might need to be utilised more defensively minded with the flurry of Spanish attacking talent. With that being said, if Croatia can trouble La Roja’s defence, the 41-year-old might have the chance to flourish with his vicious long-range shooting ability.

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Adrian Kita, Editor

Adrian Kita is a writer and editor at ExtraTime Talk, a football site in the Last Word on Sports network. He also works as a podcast host and social media admin for OnTheGrid Podcast, a small F1 Podcast looking to rise through the ranks.

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